A Stray Found in Chicago Sparks a Mystery
The story of Lola, a dog found as a stray in Chicago, Illinois, began as a mystery for the staff at Animal Education and Rescue (AEAR) in Libertyville, Illinois. A call from the police department alerted them to the stray, but the real surprise came when they discovered the dog’s microchip led back to them. The dog, once known as Greta, had been adopted from AEAR in 2012. This discovery prompted a search to uncover what had happened to Lola in the intervening years.
Unraveling Lola’s Past
Sandy, the founder and director of AEAR, embarked on a mission to piece together Lola’s history. Through phone calls and persistent inquiries, she discovered that Lola’s original adoptive family had sold her to another person. Although Sandy obtained the buyer’s name and phone number, the individual denied any knowledge of Lola. Undeterred, Sandy continued her investigation.
The Truth Revealed
After several days of diligent searching, Sandy finally uncovered the full story. Lola had remained with her initial adoptive family for seven years until the couple divorced in 2020. The husband then took Lola for a year before giving her to another family. Lola stayed with this second family until March 2024, during which time she experienced multiple moves. Eventually, the second family’s adult son gave Lola to a man who was supposed to take her to a local shelter. This is how Lola ended up as a stray in North Chicago, ultimately leading her back to AEAR. Sandy also learned the heartbreaking reason Lola was given away: her last family felt she was too old and no one else wanted her. This, however, was about to be proven wrong.
A Happy Ending and a Loving Foster Home
Lola arrived at AEAR in poor condition, unsurprisingly given her recent experiences. She was morbidly obese and had difficulty moving. Her nails were overgrown, which were quickly trimmed by a volunteer. Despite her age and health issues, the AEAR team was determined to find her a loving home. Amanda, a compassionate individual, stepped forward to become Lola’s foster mom. Moved by Lola’s story, Amanda committed to keeping her for the rest of her life if a permanent home could not be found. This act of kindness brought a happy ending to Lola’s long and turbulent journey, providing her with the love, care, and stability she deserved.
